July 22, 2010

Robert Thorstenson Jr. cited for fishing without commercial licence

Alaska Wildlife Troopers have cited Washington state resident and lobbyist Robert Thorstenson, Jr. for fishing without a commercial vessel license in Alaska waters.

According to a report on the Troopers' website, Thorstenson was fishing near Hidden Falls on Baranof Island Sunday (July 18th ) in a 32 foot Seasport. Troopers contacted him and determined the vessel did not have a Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission license -- a requirement to participate in the commercial fishery.

Thorstenson is a well known commercial seiner. Robert Thorstenson Jr. is also a lobbyist in Juneau for several Alaska fishing groups. The state's 2010 Lobbyist Directory lists the Alaska Crab Coalition, the Sitka Herring Group and Southeast Alaska Seiners Association amongst his clients.

He's the son of Robert Thorstenson, Sr., one of the founders of Icicle Seafoods. The elder Thorstenson died last year at the age of 77.

Casey Kelly, KTOO News Reporter

From the Trooper's website

- On 7/18/10 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Robert M. Thorstenson, age 46, of Juneau near Hidden Falls, in an 32' Seasport which did not bear any CFEC license. Investigation revealed Thorstenson was participating in the commercial seine fishery which requires the vessel to be licensed with CFEC. Thorstenson was cited with bail set at $210 in Sitka Court.